Difficulties Breastfeeding? Understand why and learn how to best help you and your little one on your breastfeeding journey.

Have you been wondering why your little one is struggling to breastfeed? Has the journey been harder than you’d expected up to this point? Well you are not alone. Over 70% of mothers have reported breastfeeding difficulties at some point in their journey. While there are countless reasons this may be, here are some of the most common:

Tongue and Lip Ties :

These can make breastfeeding challenging because they restrict the baby’s oral mobility, which is essential for effective latching, sucking, and milk transfer.

Latch issues:

Sometimes other issues such as the shape of baby’s palate or tension in the jaw can also make it difficult for them to latch properly.

Upper neck tension or misalignment:

This can prevent baby from comfortably turning their head to feed easily on both sides. You might notice that baby has a preference for one side over the other, or that feeding is more difficult on one side or the other.

Lack of proper suckling reflex or low muscle tone:

Some babies, commonly if born premature, may not have had adequate time to develop several primitive reflexes, including their suckling reflex. This can prevent proper muscle usage and make sucking very difficult for them. Low muscle tone of the tongue can also make feeding very difficult. It’s important to find a healthcare provider to assess reflexes and to help integrate those that baby is struggling with.

If you suspect that your baby may be struggling with any of these aspects of feeding, look into visiting a Lactation Consultant to assess baby’s latch and oral mobility. If it’s something they can’t help you improve on their own, they may advise you to see other providers including a Pediatric Dentist to assess ties, or a Pediatric Chiropractor to assess for tension or mobility difficulties in your little one.

Due to any combination of these reasons, breastfeeding can be a tough journey, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. If things aren’t going quite as you planned, here are a few things to avoid if you’re struggling:

Giving up - if breastfeeding is important to you, stay calm and keep trying. Everything takes time and it’s okay to be frustrated, but don’t give up! If it’s an ongoing struggle, you can try supplementing with expressed milk until you and baby get the hang of things.

Comparing your journey to others – every mom and baby is different and every breastfeeding journey looks different.

Ignoring pain or discomfort – seek help from a lactation consultant.

Skipping meals or water – your body needs fuel to produce milk.

Stress - Don’t push yourself too hard or stress yourself out too much. Rest is just as important for you as it is for baby.

Bottling up emotions – talk to someone you trust about what you’re experiencing. Finding local breastfeeding support groups can also be immensely helpful.

While there are many different factors at play when it comes to successful breastfeeding, having both mom and baby relaxed and at ease can make a big difference in your experience. Chiropractic care is one of the best ways to help both you and your baby into a state of alignment and relaxation and improve your chances of feeling successful in your breastfeeding journey.

For Baby: Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help align your baby’s spine and relieve tension, especially in the neck, jaw, and cranial bones. This can improve their ability to latch and nurse effectively. We can also do gentle work on baby’s palate (the roof of their mouth) to aid in proper tongue movement and ensure that baby isn’t swallowing too much air which can lead to gas and discomfort.

For Mom: Postpartum chiropractic care helps align your spine and pelvis, easing back pain and promoting overall comfort, making breastfeeding a more pleasant experience.

Bonus Tip: Combine chiropractic care with proper breastfeeding positions, hydration, and rest to support your breastfeeding journey! A certified IBCLC is a great resource to ensure that both you and baby are positioned properly for the greatest success, and to offer any other tips on how to best support your journey. We have some great consultants that we recommend here at Little Sprouts. Hydration, proper nutrition, and rest are also so important while breastfeeding. You need hydration and food to produce enough milk, as well as plenty of rest to balance hormones and stress levels during these crazy times!

If you’re facing breastfeeding challenges, consider adding chiropractic care to your wellness routine. It could make all the difference. If this journey is important to you, don’t give up! Find providers who listen to and support you, and share your goals. We’re in this together, mama! Visit our website today to schedule your complimentary phone consultation and see if chiropractic care may be the missing piece to support you and your baby.